Home · 2011 Ford F-250 Supercab · Complaints

What 370 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-250 Supercab

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (370)Crash / fire / injury (19)Suspension (157)Steering (149)Engine (51)Fuel system (30)Wheels (28)Transmission & drivetrain (23)Electrical system (17)Tires (14)Brakes (13)Body & structure (12)

19 of 370 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters

Mar 5, 2025AirbagsCrash

I was recently hit in the drivers door causing the door, the cab, and the running board to be damaged. The side impact air bag did not deploy. the entire drivers door is damaged and the cab of the truck behind the door is damaged. the running board was completely under the cab of the truck.

NHTSA ODI 11646585

Aug 30, 2023SteeringCrash1 injury

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 68-70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced a death wobble. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel with force, but the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The contact developed blisters on the palms of his hands from gripping the steering wheel, but medical attention was not received. Police arrived on the scene; however, no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that he needed to pay for the diagnostic. The vehicle was then towed to the residence, where the contact replaced the steering gearbox, ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar, shocks, front springs, and wheel bearings. The failure recurred. The vehicle was later taken to three different independent mechanics; however, the cause of failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA ODI 11541734

Apr 28, 2019SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrash2 injuries1 death

TRUCK CONTINUES TO HAVE THE DEATH WOBBLE AS I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIT A SMALL PORTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE WOBBLE BECOMES SO SEVERE THAT I HAVE LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER THE TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON AFTER 6MONTHS FROM PURCHASE DATE (NEW) BUT FORD SAYS THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE. IT HAPPENS ABOUT 1-5X A WEEK AND I'VE NEARLY HIT SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY EACH TIME BY SWIRLING DURING THE WOBBLE. I LOOSE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. I HAVE HAD A CRASH AS A RESULT OF THIS.

NHTSA ODI 11204247

Apr 11, 2018EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED, EMITTED A KNOCKING NOISE, AND THE ENGINE EMITTED SMOKE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND A FAILURE CODE FOR THE ENGINE VALVE WAS DETECTED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

NHTSA ODI 11084558

Dec 16, 2016Body & structureElectronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFire

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES ROAD IN ST. MARTIN PARISH, LOUISIANA, IS A CURVY ROAD. THE "SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK AND HILL DESCENT CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BREAK LIGHT" CAME ON. THE "!" AND THE "ABS" LIGHT CAME ON. BREAK PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS, WHILE IN MOTION. FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND BURNT FRONT SEATS AND ENGINE ON

NHTSA ODI 10935629

Dec 16, 2015Transmission & drivetrainCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE PARKED AND ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO ROLL AWAY INTO A FROZEN LAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE ICE AND BEGAN SINKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING INSPECTION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 10810719

Dec 9, 2014Body & structureCrash

I WAS SETTING IN EXIT LANE OF THE WEST BANK EXPRESSWAY WHEN A CAR LOST CONTROL SLAMMING INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY TRUCK. THE CAR IMPACTED THE DRIVERS DOOR, THE BACK DOOR AND SOME OF THE FRONT FENDER. THE CAR WAS A TOTALED UPON IMPACT, MY TRUCK HAS SEVER DAMAGE UP ALL THE WAY UP TO BOTH WINDOWS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE AIR BAG THAT IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HAVE A CONCUSSION AND SEVER BRUISING TO ALL OF THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY ALONG WITH BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT ON MY RIGHT SIDE. I WAS KNOCKED OUT AND WOKE UP WITH MY FOOT LOGGED BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND THE GAS PEDAL STILL MOVING DOWN THE OFF RAMP. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10663164

Sep 1, 2014Engine & coolingSpeed controlFuel systemCrash

STARTED ENGINE AND PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE. ENGINE ACCELERATED TO MAX RPMS AND VEHICLE RAN INTO A TREE APPROX. 20 FEET IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT WOT UNTIL I TURNED IGNITION OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10629900

Aug 25, 2014BrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN FULLY APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BRIDGE ABUTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 10628198

May 22, 2014Brakes1 injury

THIS SAFETY CONCERN OCCURRED ON A 2011, FORD F250, WITH "26,400" MILES ON IT. UPON LEAVING MY RESIDENCE, THE TRUCK FELT SLUGGISH, AS IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON. I NEVER USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, BUT CHECKED ANYWAY TO CONFIRM IT WAS NOT SET. I PULLED OVER AND EXISTED THE VEHICLE, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A BURNING ODOR. THE ODOR CAME FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. I REACHED IN TO FEEL THE ROTOR AND BURNED MY FINGER TIPS FROM THE HEAT. AS A PRECAUTION, I CHECKED THE REMAINING WHEELS AND ALL EXHIBITED VERY HIGH HEAT WITH A BURNING ODOR. LUCKILY, I WAS WITHIN AN 1/8 MILE OF S SERVICE STATION. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED AND DETERMINED ALL FOUR BRAKES HAD SEIZED DUE TO CORROSION. TWO CALIPERS WERE SALVAGEABLE, TWO WERE NOT. THE REPAIR WAS MADE WITH THE CALIPERS HELD FOR THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REVIEW, AND DISPOSITION, BUT THE FORD DEALER SHOWED NO INTEREST, AND HAD DECLINED TO PERSONALLY EXAMINE THE CORRODED CALIPERS. THE TRUCK WAS 21 DAYS OUT OF CALENDAR WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10593436

Aug 28, 2013SuspensionCrash1 injury

2011 F -250 SD4X4 HAD 08 KING RANCH NEVER A PROB IN 87K MILES.THE 11 IS DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!! THIS TRUCK WILL BE DOING FINE ON THE ROAD, HIT A BUMP OR ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD AND TRUCK GOES INTO (DEATH WOBBLE MODE ) THE WHOLE TRUCK STARTS BOUNCING AND SHAKING AND VILOENTLY WOBBLING. HAVE HAD IT BACK TO FORD STORE 4 TIMES. THEY REPLACED STEERING STABLIZER SHOCKS AND BALL JOINTS AT MY EXPENSE DUH!!! FIRST 3 TIMES THEY COULDNT FIND ANYTHING WRONG.IT KEPT DOIN IT . I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY DID THE REPAIRS I STATED. WELL I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED ...WRONG, 22 MILES AFTER REPAIR IT DID IT AGAIN IN A CURVE,, I COULDNT CONTROL THE WOBBLE AND ENDED UP GOIN THRU A FENCE INTO A FIELD..HAVE TERRIBLE CUT ON LEGS AND FACE....FILED LAWSUIT YESTERDAY..WILL KEEP YOU POSTED...FORD HAS A MAJOR ENGINEERING PROB. THEY CONTINUE TO IGNORE,,,I INTEND TO GET THEIR ATTN,,,,,JC *TT

NHTSA ODI 10537757

Jul 22, 2013Transmission & drivetrainCrash

THE 2011- CURRENT FORD F-250'S HAVE NUMEROUS KNOWN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHICH CREATE SITUATIONS WHERE THE TRUCK WILL HESITATE AUTOMATIC SHIFTS BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. IN MY CASE IT DID SO AS I WAS PULLING ONTO A BUSY ROAD, STALLED, AND CAUSED ME TO SIT WITH NO POWER LONG ENOUGH FOR ANOTHER DRIVER TO NOT REACT QUICKLY ENOUGH AND RUN INTO ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10526209

Jun 3, 2013BrakesElectrical systemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE ENGINE REGULATOR HAD FAILED AND THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V128000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,584...UPDATED 07-24-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN THE FIRST THREE THOUSAND MILES, THE TRUCK DEVELOPED A VIOLENT BRAKING ISSUE. THE ISSUE AT HAND WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO UNCONTROLLABLY SWITCH LANES WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SIX TIMED. WITHIN THE VISITS, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. EVEN WITH THE ROTORS SMOKING AND GLOWING RED, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO THE SERVICE BAY. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHERE THEY SUGGESTED ALL THE FRONT END BRAKE COMPONENTS AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR BRAKE ASSEMBLY BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE BATTERY DEVELOPED A LEAK AROUND THE BATTERY CAPS. THE ALTERNATOR SHORTED OUT, WHICH CAUSED A SMALL FIRE AND MELTED A PORTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE CHARGING SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI 10514865

Mar 12, 2013EngineCrash

THE 2011 F250 SUPER DUTY HAS EXPERIENCED THREE INSTANCES OF STALLING OUT AT RANDOM TIMES. THE FIRST INCIDENT ON FEBRUARY 13TH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK THROUGH VEHICLE PIPES FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE FLYING LOOSE OFF THE TOP RACK AND HITTING THE VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. IN THE 30 DAYS SINCE THEN, THERE HAVE BEEN TWO OTHER INSTANCES OF RANDOM STALLS AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN THAT HAVE OCCURRED. IT REQUIRES A RESTART OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE RANDOM SHUT DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10502473

Oct 3, 2012EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F250SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,500. UPDATED 11/9/12 *CN UPDATED 11/30/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI 10478415

Mar 15, 2012Body & structure1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE ARE 17 INCHES TALL, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE FELT THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH RUNNING BOARDS TO ASSIST WITH ENTERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INJURED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/22/12

NHTSA ODI 10451759

Jan 5, 2012Transmission & drivetrainCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT OPERATED AS NORMAL UPON RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MAILBOX. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY BEGIN ACCELERATING FROM STOPS IN FIFTH GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,700.

NHTSA ODI 10442482

May 10, 2011Engine & coolingElectrical systemFire

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT OR AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER AND WIRING HARNESS AREA AS IT ENTERS THE FIREWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED IN THE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI 10400454

Feb 11, 2011Speed controlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250 XL SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL CARPORT AREA DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. HE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,278.

NHTSA ODI 10381531

Working with the data? Download all 370 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Ford F-250 Supercab verdict →